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Places in town to cool down

There are plenty of options to keep cool in Chestnut Hill this summer.

by Lauren Witonsky

When it comes to cooling down in Chestnut Hill’s heat, there are quite a few – delicious we might add – options right on the Avenue. From the top of the Hill down to the bottom, there’s a refreshing treat to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

A Taste of Philly, at 8513 Germantown Ave, may be known for its delicious soft pretzels, but it’s also serving up water ice during the summer. A Taste of Philly is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Although mango and strawberry lemonade are two of its most popular flavors, it also has four other fruity flavors including blueberry, cherry, lemon and watermelon.

A Taste of Philly is the place to enjoy a signature icy treat – water ice topped with a pretzel nugget.

Celebrating its first summer on the Hill, Chill on the Hill is the place to chill out and enjoy a cup of frozen yogurt. At 5 E. Highland Ave., the self-serve fro-yo shop is breaking away from the usual chocolate vanilla swirl by twisting flavors like coffee and toasted marshmallow. Chill on the Hill is open Sunday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The mix of modern decorations and constant buzz of customers gives Chill on the Hill a super cool vibe.

Looking for that classic summer cool down? Bredenbeck’s Ice Cream Parlor, at 8126 Germantown Ave., is your one–stop shop for a scoop or two of ice cream. Open Monday through Sunday from 12 p.m. To 9 p.m., Bredenbeck’s Ice Cream Parlor has it all. Need help choosing from one of its 30 different flavors? Mint chocolate chip and Guatemalan Ripple are Bredenbeck’s most popular flavors.

Bredenbeck’s Bakery is right next door, where you can find another crowd favorite: ice-cream filled cupcakes. To cool down in this July heat, stop in for a free ice-cream topping on any one cone all month long.

Rita’s, at 900 East Willow Grove Ave., is open Monday though Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Can’t decide between its famous water ice or soft serve custard? Try a Blendini – a combination of both blended together with a mixed-in dessert. The choices are endless with Rita’s selection of customizable treats. What makes this deal even sweeter is that now through the end of July, all large Blendinis and milkshakes are a dollar off.

Last but not least, you can’t miss the Trolley Car Diner Ice Cream Shoppe, where the ice cream is served out of an actual trolley car. Located at 7619 Germantown Ave., this shop is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.. Serving Nelson’s local ice cream, homemade water ice, and tasty soft-serve ice cream, you really can “hop on board the ice cream express.”

7 p.m. Mt. Airy Arts Performing Center, 230 East Gowen Ave. Behind Grace Epiphany Church All classes are Free for the trial period, but a donation $3 to $5 is suggested per session for the teacher.[...]